With Bridport’s first Open Book Festival one month away, the full programme has now been announced. This new community-focused event builds on Bridport Arts Centre’s long relationship with literature through the Bridport Literary Prize. This year’s Prize judges, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and acclaimed writer AL Kennedy are highlight performers in the festival, with Duffy also performing specially for local schools. The Bridport Prize winners for 2012 will be announced on the closing day of the festival – Saturday 26 November. Other highlights include stellar young novelist Joe Dunthorne and poetry legend Roger McGough.
The festival also features music, film, and writing workshops, as well as plenty of events for young people and families, including appearances by SW-based writers Charlie Fuge (of Wombat fame!) and Barbara Spencer (the Jack Burnside adventures).
There are events for toddlers, art lovers, and music fans, with a day featuring looks at Bobs Marley and Dylan, as well as a workshop for boys who love football and even a film for cricket fans!
Local writers perform every lunch-time throughout the week in free performances at Beach & Barnicott and Bridport Arts Centre. There are also events featuring past Bridport Prize winners, memoir writing and storytelling.
With a free opening event for all the family, Poetry & Magic with Dorset-based Paul Hyland, ‘Big Reads’ for both adults and young people, poems in shops, exhibitions, and writers visiting local schools, there really IS something for everyone.
Follow the latest news and stories on the festival blog www.bridport-open-book.com
